| January 2005 Corrections News Online |
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| Director's Message |
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When I joined the agency as your director a year ago, I did so knowing that the Oregon Department of Corrections was a strong, well-run organization ready to meet the challenges that were facing us. And I am proud of all of you when I say that we have.
We accomplished a lot in 2004. Among the things of which I am most pleased:
- DOC reorganized to better align administrative operations with our mission to hold offenders accountable for their actions while reducing the risk of future criminal behavior.
- The Oregon Accountability Model is becoming an increasing part of our daily work. Inmates are receiving assessments when they enter the prison system and the Transition Automation Project for inmate Corrections Plans is complete. Each day we are getting closer to having the right inmates in the right prisons and programs at the right time.
- We have collectively reinforced the message to ourselves, contractors and volunteers that the unwritten “code of silence” is unethical and will not be tolerated in any form.
- Workgroups are developing policies and practices to improve mental health treatment for inmates, eliminate sexual assaults on inmates and reduce high-risk inmate behaviors, thereby increasing both public and staff safety.
- Prisons have added emergency beds wherever they can be safely operated, and have absorbed the extra work involved with housing more inmates. We also have begun sending inmates to county rental beds to address our increasing population.
- Warner Creek Correctional Facility is under construction, and will open next September. We will begin expansion of Shutter Creek this spring, and are seeking approval to move forward with an expansion at Coffee Creek and construction in Madras.
- We have implemented new alternative incarceration programs (AIPs) at Powder River and Coffee Creek, providing intensive addiction treatment to prepare inmates for their return to our communities, and the initial results are positive.
- Transition services have increased, and we are working closely with other agencies and community partners to build a network of services to help offenders successfully re-enter their communities.
- DOC successfully took over community corrections duties in Linn and Douglas counties. We welcomed nearly 50 of their staff members into DOC as our employees. We continue work on our new relationship with the local criminal justice entities in these communities and our changing focus on managing these offenders.
- We have a new Oregon.gov/doc Web site, thanks to the work of many staff at all levels of the agency.
Together, we accomplished all this and the day-in-day-out duties of a well-run state corrections system in an atmosphere of great cooperation.
We still face challenges. This new year begins with some ongoing issues, including limited fiscal resources and an ever-growing inmate population.
The 73rd Legislature convenes January 10. We have prepared a solid legislative agenda to address budget and policy concerns, including building new prison beds. This agency is continually recognized for a tradition of professional excellence, both by policymakers and our peers in the public safety community. That fine reputation is because of the work each of you does every day. While nothing is certain, our reputation ensures that our concerns will be heard by lawmakers as they make difficult budget decisions in coming months.
Ultimately, our strength comes down to people and relationships. It is our investment in each other that makes this organization a success. Our success is predicated on our work inside our prisons, in our support units, in our communities and in every business operation of this agency.
Services from central administration exist to assist in the primary work we do, whether that’s providing computers, human resources, business operations or public affairs support. It is about having the right attitude that says we are all working on the same team and toward the same mission.
Good things are happening. It is the “can-do” attitudes of DOC employees that make these good things possible.
Thank you for the warm welcome this past year and, more important, for all that you do. Happy New Year!
Sincerely,
Max Williams
Director
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| Legislative Concepts for 2005 |
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In mid-December, the Governor’s Office submitted nine bills to the Legislature for the Department of Corrections, based on our legislative concepts. They will be considered by the 2005 Legislative Assembly, which convenes January 10:
SB 89 Criminalizes sexual contact between DOC staff and inmates. This change would make any sexual intercourse between a staff member or contractor and a person in custody or under supervision a Class C Felony. Lesser sexual contact between a staff member or contractor and a person in custody or under supervision would become a Class A Misdemeanor.
HB 2141 Permits certain DOC inmates to be temporarily transferred to Oregon State Hospital custody for stabilization of severe mental health episodes.
HB 2142 Clarifies DOC’s authority to use deadly force in defined situations. Clearly defines those situations in which deadly force may be used against inmates and others threatening the safety and security of DOC’s facilities, work areas, staff, the public and inmates.
HB 2143 Prohibits inmates from filing small claims actions against DOC until they have exhausted more-appropriate administrative remedies.
HB 2140 Requires inmates to exhaust internal grievance procedures before filing complaints against medical, dental and other practitioners with licensing boards and commissions.
HB 2145 Amends statutes to include probation officers of county community corrections agencies. Currently, county community corrections agencies do not have statutory authority to appoint their own parole and probation officers, and must have such appointments made by the courts. This bill would grant counties direct authority and also make the title “parole and probation officer” the consistent term used in statute when referring to these officers.
HB 2139 Gives DOC express authority to dispose of abandoned or confiscated inmate property.
HB 2144 Allows sex offenders convicted in other states or adjudicated as juveniles to be supervised at the same level as those convicted in Oregon; ensures consistent policy and treatment.
SB 115 Repeals medical monitoring law related to “Heller experiments” which were radiation studies conducted on inmate volunteers in the 1950s and 1960s. A class action settlement removed a requirement for ongoing medical monitoring of participants by the state, but obsolete language remains in statue.
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| DOC's New Web Site a Team Project |
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Explorer, Netscape, Safari … all of these Web browsers are gateways to a whole new world of the Oregon Department of Corrections on the Internet. Enter www.oregon.gov/doc in the address line of any Internet browser to see the site visited by more than 72,000 people last month alone.
The Department of Administrative Services spearheaded an effort that provides consistency among State of Oregon Web sites, yet allowing content unique to each. About a year ago, the Department of Corrections volunteered to be an early adopter of this new system. A formal project was initiated, and a work group assembled to put together a new and revitalized DOC Web Team.
The DOC Web Team comprises representatives from every major division and institution. The project plan included more than 80 unique tasks that needed to be completed for successful migration of more than 1,500 Web postings by 35 team members. It was an enormous undertaking that could not have been done without the support and cooperation of lots of people.
DOC is the first large agency to fully migrate, and the migration was completed a month earlier than our deadline.
Look for features of the new DOC Web site in future issues of Corrections News.
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| Oregon State Hispanic Employees Network Invites You |
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The Oregon State Hispanic Employees Network (OSHEN) is a state-registered and sanctioned assembly of state employees charged to promote the development and advancement of Hispanics in Oregon state government and to enhance workforce diversity. The organization’s primary objective is to develop and maintain a bicultural, bilingual workforce that reflects Oregon's communities.
OSHEN’s brochure contains the following excerpts from Governor Ted Kulongoski’s message: “Diversity is more than a good social value, it is absolutely critical to our success as a state… The best way, and maybe the only way, to have a diverse and qualified workforce is through partnerships. We have to work together. I need your ideas, I need your talent, I need your language skills, and I need your advocacy.”
Anyone interested in promoting the advancement of Hispanic workers in state government is welcome to join and participate in OSHEN’s activities that include training, networking, mentorship, promotional opportunities, cultural awareness, community service, and information referral. Meetings are held from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m., on the third Thursday of each month.
For more information, contact Angie Hyde, OSHEN vice president/DOC Personnel Records manager at (503) 378-6489 ext. 7161 or by e-mail: angie.m.hyde@state.or.us.
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| PEBB Wants Employees to Stay Informed About Benefit Changes |
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Facing the ongoing crisis in the healthcare system, the Public Employees Benefit Board (PEBB) is considering changes that likely will affect the healthcare benefits and delivery system available to members starting in 2006. These benefits are an important part of employee compensation.
PEBB will outline possible changes on its Web site and newsletters. You can read them and more information about PEBB programs and ways you can get the best-possible value from the healthcare system at: http://oregon.gov/DAS/PEBB. They also invite you to share questions and feedback on the board’s plans by e-mail: inquiries.pebb@state.or.us.
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| Confirm Your 2005 Enrollment Choices |
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DOC Human Resources asks that you take a few minutes this month to confirm your 2005 benefits enrollment. Your January 2005 paycheck will reflect your insurance election deductions. You also will receive an enrollment confirmation notice from PEBB at your home address. If you notice an error, contact your payroll coordinator as soon as possible.
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| State Pay Dates for 2005 |
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Regular Pay Day
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Day of Week
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Mid-Month Pay Day
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Day of Week
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January 3, 2005
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Monday
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January 14, 2005
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Friday
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February 1, 2005
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Tuesday
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February 15, 2005
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Tuesday
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March 1, 2005
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Tuesday
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March 15, 2005
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Tuesday
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April 1, 2005
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Friday
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April 15, 2005
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Friday
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April 29, 2005
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Friday
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May 13, 2005
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Friday
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June 1, 2005
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Wednesday
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June 15, 2005
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Wednesday
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July 1, 2005
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Friday
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July 15, 2005
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Friday
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August 1, 2005
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Monday
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August 15, 2005
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Monday
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September 1, 2005
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Thursday
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September 15, 2005
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Thursday
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September 30, 2005
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Friday
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October 14, 2005
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Friday
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November 1, 2005
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Tuesday
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November 15, 2005
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Tuesday
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December 1, 2005
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Thursday
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December 15, 2005
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Thursday
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January 3, 2006
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Tuesday
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State law requires paychecks be distributed to employees beginning at 8:00 a.m. on the dates listed above. 24-hour institutions may release paychecks earlier than 8:00 a.m. on paydays to those employees leaving the night shift, if it can be accommodated.
Direct deposit stubs may be distributed upon receipt. A direct deposit stub lets the staff know what will be posted to their account by 8:00 a.m. on paydays. The mid-month payday is for additional pay such as overtime and shift differential, which was not included in the regular payday, and for making adjustments.
An employee not scheduled to work on a payday may request to receive that paycheck one day before payday if the check is available. The employee will need to have the supervisor sign a “Request for Release of Payroll Check” form to indicate the employee does not work on the payday and the employee will also need to sign the form indicating the check will not be cashed or deposited before 8:00 a.m. on the official payday. For more information, contact DOC Payroll.
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| Handgun Locks Still Available to Staff |
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As reported last month, DOC joined Project ChildSafe to provide gunlocks to staff members free of charge. If you work in a prison, please contact your superintendent or security manager for details; non-prison staff should contact Operations Division Executive Support Specialist Betty Blaylock by e-mail: betty.blaylock@state.or.us.
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| State Flags Sought for Troops |
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In 1969 the Legislature gave the Secretary of State authority to provide state flags to Oregonians serving in the armed forces at home or abroad. The program lapsed for many years, but as more Oregonians were sent overseas for service, Secretary of State Bradbury revived the program in 2003.
Without state funding the flag fund relies on private donations. Each flag costs approximately $40. All donations are applied entirely to the purchase of Oregon State flags for active service members. Flags may be requested by friends or family, and are sent from the Secretary of State along with a letter of commendation.
Donations to the flag fund and requests for flags may be made on the Secretary of State’s Web site at: www.sos.state.or.us.
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| More News ... |
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- SRCI Lt. Lance Albert, DOC´s Honor Guard Commander deployed with the Army Aviation Unit out of Pendleton on January 2, 2005 for about 18 months. In his absence, OSP Sgt. John Whitney will serve as Acting Honor Guard Commander for the statewide operation. All requests for services of the DOC Honor Guard should be referred to Sgt. Whitney in OSP Master Control at: (503) 378-2453.
- The US Bureau of Justice Statistics publication: “Felony Sentences in State Courts, 2002,” presents statistics for adults who were convicted of a felony and sentenced in state courts. Data was collected through a nationally representative survey of 300 counties in 2002. Read it on-line at: www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/abstract/fssc02.htm.
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| About Corrections News Online |
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DOC Corrections News
Oregon Department of Corrections
Max Williams, Director
Mitch Morrow, Deputy Director
Receive Corrections News Online
at your home e-mail address…
Send a request to:
from your home computer.
The mission of the Oregon Department of Corrections is to
promote public safety by holding offenders accountable for their
actions and reducing the risk of future criminal behavior.
For more information or to submit story ideas, please call Nancy Sellers, editor, in the
DOC Public Affairs Office at (503) 945-9225 or e-mail: nancy.sellers@state.or.us.
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